Bangkok, September 10, 2024 – ThaiNamthip Corporation Limited, the bottling partner of the Coca-Cola Company across 63 provinces in Thailand (excluding the south), showcased the company’s world-class production capabilities with the opening of its Pathum Thani plant, one of five major plants producing the renowned "Coca-Cola" brand beverages. The plant emphasized environmentally conscious production processes at every stage, incorporating sustainable innovations in water resource management, efficient energy consumption, and packaging. This commitment aligns with the company's goal to be a leader in the Thai beverage industry for sustainable business practices, commemorating its 65th Anniversary of delivering refreshment and creating value for Thai society.

Ms. Puntarika Susuntitapong, Vice President - Public Affairs & Communications, ThaiNamthip Corporation Limited, said, "As a leader in the Thai beverage industry, ThaiNamthip is committed to delivering both happiness and positive change. We strive to provide refreshment to Thai people through our world-class beverage brands while simultaneously demonstrating care for our society and the environment. Our comprehensive sustainability strategy addresses all aspects of our business, including environmental protection, product responsibility, and social impact, with specific goals and roadmaps defined for each area through 2030. These sustainability initiatives are seamlessly integrated into all our business operations, from human resources and corporate governance to supply chain management. ThaiNamthip has prioritized three main pillars: Maximizing water resource efficiency, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable packaging. We achieve these goals through strategic planning and innovation across our entire value chain, from production and transportation to ultimately reaching our consumers."

Mr. Therdpong Sirijane, Vice President – Quality, Security, Environment & Packaging, ThaiNamthip Corporation Limited, revealed, "ThaiNamthip utilizes cutting-edge innovation and technology throughout our production processes to maximize operational efficiency and resource optimization. Currently, we operate five state-of-the-art bottling plants across Thailand, all adhering to world-class standards and recognized within the Asia-Pacific region for their exceptional environmental performance. With 21 advanced production lines, ThaiNamthip boasts a total production capacity exceeding 450 million unit cases per year. Established in 1981, our Pathum Thani plant spans 140 rai and houses seven production lines, including Thailand's fastest canning line capable of producing 2,000 cans per minute. Demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, the Pathum Thani plant employs a Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) wastewater treatment system, recognized as the most efficient and advanced technology currently available."

Efficient Water Resource Management

"Water" is a vital ingredient in every ThaiNamthip product, which is why ThaiNamthip prioritizes efficient water management through a comprehensive 3R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) throughout the production process. ThaiNamthip has actively reduced water consumption, exemplified by the innovative "Bumrung" application, developed in-house to optimize water usage. The company has maximize water reused in non-production processes and recycled wastewater through systems like the highly efficient Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR). Additionally, ThaiNamthip has utilized Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) technology to purify water to meet standards for reuse in production processes (excluding beverage formulation). Between 2020 and 2023, the five ThaiNamthip plants successfully reduced water consumption by 907 million liters, demonstrating tangible achievements in the commitment to effective water management.

Addressing Climate Change

ThaiNamthip is committed to addressing climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions throughout its value chain. The company has implemented a multi-faceted approach, including increasing the use of clean energy in its production processes. All five ThaiNamthip plants—Rangsit, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, and Lampang—are equipped with rooftop solar panels, generating a combined capacity of 12.6242 MWp, which accounts for approximately 10% of the electricity used. Furthermore, ThaiNamthip has integrated electric vehicles (EVs), including forklifts and delivery trucks, into its logistics operations and implemented a Telematics system to optimize transportation routes and reduce fuel consumption. AI-powered cameras enhance driver safety by monitoring and mitigating potential risks. These initiatives resulted in a significant 34.1% reduction in energy consumption in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Creating a Closed-Loop System for Products

ThaiNamthip supports Coca-Cola's global "World Without Waste" vision. Coca-Cola aims to make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and to produce packaging with at least 50% recycled content by 2030. The company is also committed to collecting and recycling the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells globally by 2030.

 To support this goal, ThaiNamthip focuses on three key areas:

·       Reduce: ThaiNamthip has reduced packaging material usage by lightweighting the packaging while maintaining product quality and freshness. Since 2009, ThaiNamthip has reduced its use of plastic resin by over 7,645 tons.

·       Redesign: ThaiNamthip is redesigning the packaging to be 100% recyclable by 2025 and to include at least 50% recycled content by 2030. For example, ThaiNamthip had transitioned Sprite bottles from green to clear to improve recyclability.

·       Collection & Recycling: ThaiNamthip has supported the collection and recycling of used plastic bottles and cans to create a closed-loop system for the packaging. ThaiNamthip has collaborated with government agencies, private organizations, and NGOs to promote plastic recycling in Thailand and encourage consumer awareness and participation in a circular economy for packaging.

Since 2023, ThaiNamthip, in collaboration with Coca-Cola, has introduced "Coke" bottles made from 100% recycled plastic (excluding labels and caps), also known as Recycled PET (rPET), in a 1-liter size. This year, they have expanded the rPET packaging to include 300ml and 510ml sizes, now available in leading supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. ThaiNamthip has adapted its production lines to accommodate the manufacturing of rPET bottles using recycled plastic resin that meets food-contact safety standards. These standards align with those set by the Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Public Health (Thailand) and Coca-Cola's global standards. The company plans to progressively increase the proportion of rPET packaging used annually, following its established roadmap.